Photographer’s Journal: Peace keeping before peace

Capt. Todd Poindexter, 28, of Eden, N.C., removes his helmet and body armor before meeting with a small group of neighborhood leaders and a member of the Iraqi National Police at the Sons of Iraq headquarters in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad. He’s learned to do things the Iraqi way.

“They don’t do things at a fast pace. But if you show respect for their culture, you endear yourself in the process,” says Poindexter.

Local Iraqi leaders tend to expect patience for themselves and express impatience toward U.S. efforts. Poindexter says that paradox is slowly beginning to change. Iraqis are taking baby steps towards initiative and they have become more patient with soldiers in the process.

“I’ve learned that our way is not always better. They can help us be more efficient,” says Poindexter. “You have to remember the only reason you make things happen here is because the leaders allow you to.”

As the meeting draws to a close, talk of essential community services, like energy and water, give way to issues of security. The Sons of Iraq leader and host of the meeting complains that the Shi’a led Iraqi government does not value the role his predominately Sunni organization had in securing Baghdad.

“I am not a traitor. I love my country. I kept my neighborhood safe,” says the SOI commander. An ill-fitting tan ball cap with blue letters printed in Arabic rings the top of his head. It reads “Iraq for Iraqis.”

“I know my soldiers and their families are grateful for what you did. I haven’t had to send anyone home in a body bag.” Poindexter says solemnly. The men lock eyes as the SOI commander places his right hand on his heart acknowledging the weight of the sentiment.

“At times, this is all very surreal. But it is what I trained to do, to be a leader. It’s part of the job to keep the peace.”